Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call the Deputy Leader and other Senators to make their contributions, I would like to pay my own tribute to the late Des Hanafin.

I extend a warm welcome to Des's wife Mona, who was his pillar of strength over many years, and to his two children, Mary and John, both of whom are well known to us here in Leinster House. I also acknowledge the presence of Des's three grandchildren whom I am sure he would be very proud of - MaryClaire, Darragh and John Jnr. I wish to express formally my sympathy to his family on their loss. Today, we have an opportunity to reflect on Des's long life and pay tribute to him for his many years of public service.

Des was first elected to Tipperary County Council in 1955, which is many years ago and the year I was born. Des succeeded his father, John, who was also a Fianna Fáil councillor but who died in 1953. Thus began a long and distinguished career in politics.

In 1969, Des was elected to Seanad Éireann in which, with the exception of one term in the mid-1990s, he served until 2002, which is an extraordinarily long record in the Seanad. During almost five decades of elected office, Des made his mark as a politician of deep conviction and a promoter and defender of conservative ethics at a time when the values to which he was committed, and which until then had been considered mainstream, were being questioned and challenged like never before. He is perhaps best remembered in the public mind for the strength of his commitment to his positions on the constitutional proposals on abortion and divorce.

Des's determination and fearlessness were evident in other spheres also. He will be remembered, in particular, for the courageous stand he took about fundraising issues within his own party.

Long after his departure from national politics Des remained a familiar figure to all of us here in Leinster House. With Mona, he was a regular and popular visitor to this home from home in which both of his children were serving Members, and both with great distinction. Mary Hanafin is also a former Minister as well. I have had the good fortune of serving with both of the Hanafins in the Seanad and the Dáil.

Des's career serves as an example to a younger generation of politicians who, regardless of their political outlook, have much to learn from his tenacity and sincere conviction that underpinned his approach to public life. Des will be missed for his friendship, good humour and honesty by all of us here in Leinster House who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be sadly missed most of all by his wife, Mona, who was his lifelong friend, pillar and soulmate, his children, Mary and John, and his three grandchildren, MaryClaire, Darragh and John Jnr.

Unfortunately, I must chair another meeting of the commission that was postponed earlier so I will not be in the Chair to hear the full tribute paid to Des in this Chamber. I also acknowledge the presence of Deputy Jackie Cahill who is a proud Thurles and Tipperary man. I am sure that everyone will have a lot to talk about during the day. If I can get back here and leave the other meeting, I intend to return to conclude this matter.

I call Senator Ardagh to commence proceedings.